TO BE PUBLISHED April 2025
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Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will assess next steps for England’s water markets, looking at key issues for the sector, its partners and customers.
It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the way forward for policy, regulation and the water industry as the Independent Water Commission launches its public Call for Evidence on future changes to the water sector, alongside Ofwat’s recently published PR24 final determinations, with price limits set to come into effect in April 2025.
Delegates will examine key considerations for the Commission and its recommendations to government on how systemic issues can be tackled, with the Commission due to report in Q2 of 2025. The EFRA Committee’s focus on environmental restoration, infrastructure investment and water sector governance in its ongoing inquiry will also be discussed, considering its potential influence on shaping long-term reforms and public confidence in the sector.
Areas for discussion include environmental restoration and infrastructure investment, with the Environment Agency recently announcing a £22bn commitment from the water sector, as well as considering sustainability and concerns relating to industry conduct. The potential shape of intended new partnerships between government, water companies, customers, investors and other stakeholders will be discussed, alongside strategic options for creating conditions that can foster sector confidence and support its potential role in furthering wider policy aims such as those around economic growth.
Sessions will also consider PR24 determinations, and their implications for environmental and infrastructure targets and meeting consumer needs, as well as issues and practicalities for implementation. Discussion is expected on stakeholder reactions and responses to PR24, looking at how prolonged disagreements between industry and regulators can be minimised, what level of financial support is sustainable for suppliers, and approaches to improving supplier cooperation and engagement.
Further sessions look at next steps for tackling water pollution, storm overflows and sewage discharges, considering investment into infrastructure and addressing leakages, increasing preparedness for climate change and growing demand, and delivering good service and fair pricing for consumers.
Delegates will also assess next steps for innovation and investment into new technologies, including the future role of AI and approaches to ensure effective rollout of smart meter initiatives to maximise the benefit of the schemes. They will also explore priorities for promoting industry collaboration and knowledge-sharing to achieve targets in a timely and cost-effective way, and driving innovation and investment into new technologies to create better services and reduce costs.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from Ofwat; DESNZ; OEP; MHCLG; NWF; DBT; DfT; IEPAW; NIC; CCS; NIAO; OfI; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
